08-April-2009 Update
The winter has passed and I have not had my chance…
It’s taken a while for me to get round to writing this update. I suppose, I’ve not wanted to admit that opportunity to run to Ramsay Round had passed. In all honesty, at the beginning of March, with a poor long-term weather forecast and some niggling injuries I knew it wasn’t going to happen.
I want to thank all the people that have donated. I’m humbled by everyone’s generosity.
My attention is already turning to winter 2009/2010 and I am planning to have another go then. It’s simple really, I'll train more between now and then and I’ll be just that much fitter and stronger…
09-Feb-2009 Update
Ok, I am returning to Sheffield...The weather looked liked it could have been brilliant on Saturday. I went though the whole rigmarole of preparing myself; eating lots, more rest, charging batteries, etc during Friday. On Saturday morning I got up at 6am and went straight outside to check the weather conditions. It was a clear starry night to the south but clouds to the north. I decided to go for it as the forecast was for the weather to improve as the day progressed. At 8.30 I was outside the Youth Hostel ready to go... However, the clouds were darker and it was snowing hard. I was filled with doubt and apprehension about the viability of an attempt.
I knew that if I was going to go sub 24 hours that I needed perfect weather. Today was not perfect weather. If I really wanted to set off in marginal weather, with hope that it'll improve during the day, then I really needed to be 100% to cope with the extra effort. I was certainly not 100% with severe bruising to my left shoulder (photo on Facebook).
Today was not right. I was (and still am) disappointed.
In the last few days, waiting around in Fort William, I've felt the wait of expectation heavy on my shoulders. I've put this onto myself so I am the only one to blame. However, the pressure to make an attempt, even in sub optimal conditions (both weather and my fitness) was palpable. It took a lot of self control not to start today but I now it's the right decision.
Although there is lots of snow in Scotland I need a freeze-thaw cycle to consolidate it before a fast round is possible; currently it's too powdery despite the cold temperatures. Also, I need to get my shoulder better.
05-Feb-2009 Update
I’m about to leave home for Scotland. It’s snowing hard in Sheffield and there is lots of snow in Scotland so I am expecting it to be a long, slow and difficult journey. The forecast is for very cold weather over the weekend and I am hoping all this snow will freeze and I might be able to make an attempt. It’s a bit of gamble going up, not just because of the weather but because I’ve also hurt my left shoulder snowboarding and I’m far from 100%. Fingers crossed…
09-Jan-2009 Update
I seem to have spent the last week constantly watching the weather in Scotland. My bag is packed, my scheduled printed out and I am very focused but the weather isn’t cooperating. About a week ago it looked as though there would be a weather window today but that hasn’t happened. The long range forecast is showing rain and clouds for the next two weeks so I am going to switch back to full training for the next 7-10 days (I had tapered off) and hope the outlook improves.
For those on Facebook I have created a group ‘The Ramsay Round 2009 & Cancer Research Fundraising’ which has some photos and video of my recce on parts of the route back in December 2008.
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In a Nutshell
This winter I am going to attempt a non-stop 24 hour run (called the Ramsay Round) across some of the most remote and inhospitable mountains of Scotland. I am doing this to raise money for Cancer Research, inspired by my Mum who died of breast cancer this year.
What is the Ramsay Round?
The Ramsay Round was first completed in less than 24 hours by Charlie Ramsay in July 1978. He started and finished at Glen Nevis Youth Hostel, at the foot of Ben Nevis, completing a non stop run across some of the toughest mountain terrain in Britain. Charlie Ramsay’s route is now known as the ‘Ramsay Round’ and the challenge is to complete it in less than 24 hours.
The Ramsay Round is one the ultimate endurance running challenges with its huge mountains, sheer cliff faces, knife edge ridges and desolate remoteness. The distance is approximately 63 miles and the height gain is around 30,000 feet (which means there is also 30,000 feet of descent!). In winter it is much, much tougher with 8 hours (or less) of daylight, snow, ice and freezing temperatures.
Only 52 runners have ever completed the Ramsay Round. Most of these runners are supported by a team of other runners, who navigate for them and carry their equipment. Only four people have ever completed the Ramsay Round in winter. The winter record was 33:48:00 until...
My attempt
In February 2008, running solo and unsupported, I lowered the existing winter record to 29:59:34. I know that I can improve this time by being better prepared and using the experience gained in my first attempt. This winter I hope to go below 24 hours and I am asking you to help me achieve this by sponsoring me.
If you would like to read more about my previous attempt and the effect it had on me, please click here. http://www.runfurther.com/index.php?cPath=658_736
How will your sponsorship help?
Apart from raising money for a very worthy cause, I need to know that I am not on my own when it’s cold and dark and when the pain kicks in. I need to know that there are people willing me on. I will have no contact with anyone for the duration of the attempt, so this sponsorship will be a great motivation for me out there.
When will I be doing this?
The Ramsay Round is not an organised event or race so I can start whenever weather conditions on the mountains are good. To complete the round in winter, there are four conditions that are needed to make the attempt safer:
o Little or no wind
o Cloud base above the summits
o Plenty of snow that is frozen hard
o Full moon
Bearing all this in mind it is likely that I’ll make my attempt close to the full moon on one of these dates:
o 11th January
o 9th February
o 11th March
I will be carrying a GPS that will record my route and my time to complete the route.
I will update this website immediately before I start my attempt, so if you want to know if I am running, check back around these dates.
Why Cancer Research?
In October 2008 my mum lost her fight against breast cancer. She approached her illness with great dignity, humour and courage.
Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Cancer Research UK gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
Please sponsor me now!
